DOCSLIB.ORG

PHINMS Security White Paper Pdf Icon[230 KB, 8 Pages]

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
PHINMS Security White Paper Pdf Icon[230 KB, 8 Pages] On Securing the Public Health Information Network Messaging System Barry Rhodes Rajashekar Kailar Associate Director For Public Health System Development Chief Technology Officer Information Resources Management Office Business Networks International, Inc. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.bnetal.com www.cdc.gov Abstract The Public Health Information Network PHINMS is operating system neutral since it is Messaging System (henceforth, PHINMS) is the implemented using Java and J2EE standards. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) implementation of the ebXML 2.0 Further, it provides language neutral, queue based messaging standards [EbXML]. This system was interfaces for sending and receiving messages. The developed for the purpose of secure and reliable preferred queue implementation is an messaging over the Internet. This software has ODBC/JDBC compliant database table, but been widely deployed by CDC and its public support for queues based on XML file descriptors health partners, including state and local health also exists. PHINMS supports peer-to-peer departments, and healthcare providers. PHINMS is messaging, as well as messaging via a third party designed to leverage X.509 digital certificates using a send and poll model. issued by public key infrastructures, but does not require a single, universal PKI. In this paper we Message data security is accomplished using a discuss some of the security aspects of PHINMS. combination of encryption, end-point authentication, and access control techniques. Introduction Transport reliability is accomplished using message integrity verification, transmission retries and duplicate detection on message receipt. The Public Health Information Network Messaging System (PHINMS) is a CDC Since PHINMS is used to transport sensitive data developed implementation of existing standards over public un-trusted networks (e.g., Internet), it for the secure and reliable transmittal of messages is important to make sure that end-points trust across the Internet. each other, are able to identify and authenticate each other, and that communication channels The PHINMS relies on ebXML, XML encryption preserve data confidentiality and integrity. Further, [XMLENC], XML Digital Signature [XMLDSIG], access to data sent and received should be SOAP [SOAP] and other standards. PHINMS is controlled. the primary message transport system for the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System The balance of this paper will focus on some of [NEDSS], the Laboratory Response Network the security considerations that went into the [LRN], National Health Safety Network [NHSN] design and implementation of PHINMS. and various other public health preparedness programs within CDC. By design, PHINMS is message data (payload) independent; hence it can be used to transport any type of data (e.g., text, binary). Security Considerations Several security considerations went into the acceptable. In a purely PKI based authentication design, implementation and deployment of framework, a trust bridge such as the Federal PHINMS. The following is a brief description: Bridge CA could be used to address this Trust1 problem. However, while PHINMS supports PKI based authentication, it also supports other Secure messaging over public un-trusted modes of authentication, such as basic or custom networks requires messaging parties to be able authentication. to identify, authenticate and trust each other. For this, firstly, real world trust relationships need to be established between messaging organizations. PHINMS is designed to support both centralized This may include establishing written and de-centralized trust models. Decisions on agreements on service levels, liabilities, etc., identity binding and security credentialing are pursuant to OMB guidance on the Government made by the deploying organizations. Decisions Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) as well as on trusting the identity and security credentials the Electronic Signatures in Global and National are made mutually between messaging parties at Commerce Act (E-SIGN). Further, business the time when electronic collaborations are processes for creating and handling messages at created. each end of the messaging pipe need to be put in place. Once trust and business relationships are established in real world terms, electronic Identification, Authentication and collaboration agreements can be setup for Authorization message transport and processing. This includes setting up relationships to trust certification Identification and authentication in messaging is authorities and the identity of the sending and a difficult topic and is one that is far from receiving components (e.g., using access control mature. Since the message is typically sent by a lists). process and not necessarily triggered by an individual, the authentication dialog must be scriptable. That is, the sending application must In the centralized trust scenario, a central node be able to negotiate the exchange of credentials performs identity binding and security without human intervention. This is only credentialing, and all nodes establish trust possible for certain security tokens (e.g., relationships with a central node. In this case, hardware based one time passwords and assuming n nodes, only O(n) trust relations are biometric identities don’t lend themselves to this needed. However, in a heterogeneous kind of scripted authentication exchange). environment where trust is de-centralized, with n nodes, each node may need to establish a trust PHINMS supports automated authentication relationship and security credentials with every dialogs for client-certificate based authentication other node, and in the worst case scenario O(n2) over SSL, basic authentication, and form based trust relationships may be needed. Since authentication. The method used for mutual and messaging nodes typically belong to automated identification and authentication autonomous organizations and realms, between messaging parties is part of the establishing a globally accepted central identity electronic agreement between them, and should and trust authority may not be politically be established upfront, after the real world trust relationship has been established. 1 “Trust” in this context is more generic than what is involved in PKI based certificate chain validation. In particular, it may involve other (non-PKI) authentication mechanisms (e.g., basic or form based authentication). PHINMS Receiver Server A Security Credential P PHINMS Sender Security Credential Q PHINMS Receiver Server B Each messaging node in the Public Health The web-server proxies typically reside in the Information Network (PHIN) is identified by a organization’s DMZ, and mediate all inbound globally unique identifier. As shown in the traffic for the PHINMS receiver server, diagram above, a messaging node (i.e., PHINMS authenticating the sending process. SSL with sender) may contain one or more security client-certificate based authentication is the credentials that allow it to conduct automated preferred method of authentication for PHINMS, authentication dialogs with other messaging since it is a well established standard and is nodes. In the absence of a universally trusted widely implemented by web-server proxies. authority to issue security identities and credentials, potentially, a different security Once the message sender is authenticated, it is identity and set of credentials may be needed for the responsibility of the receiving organization’s the purpose of authenticating to each message web-server proxy to ensure that an authenticated destination. The security credentials may include sender only gains access to the receiver URL. At client certificates (key-stores), passwords, etc. this time, PHINMS does not provide support for Managing these security credentials can be a attribute certificates which can be used for daunting task for the messaging administrator in authorization decisions. Authorization the face of expiring certificates, password information is stored on the receiver server, and renewals etc. Of course, certificates can be enforced by the web-server proxy based on the issued with an expiration period of years, authenticated identity of the PHINMS senders. whereas passwords typically must be changed every 90 days, so the problem with the latter is far more daunting. Authentication Factors For interactive authentication dialogs over the The recommended architecture for PHINMS Internet, generally, two factor authentication2 is messaging is one where the PHINMS receiver considered stronger and more secure than single components are protected from direct access factor authentication. from the Internet, by web-server proxies as shown in the diagram at the top of the next column: 2 Authentication mechanisms typically use secrets such as what a user knows (e.g., password), what a user has (e.g., hardware token) and what a user is (e.g., thumbprint). These are called authentication factors. For strong authentication, a combination of two of these three factors is used. However, in the case of B2B automated security In the case of store and forward messaging, data dialog, the security value of two-factor is protected from being read by intermediaries authentication is significantly diminished, since by using asymmetric encryption using the public there is no real user behind the authentication key of the message recipient to encrypt a dialog. random symmetric key, which in turn encrypts the data. Additionally, communication
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Obstacles to the Adoption of Secure Communication Tools
    Obstacles to the Adoption of Secure Communication Tools Ruba Abu-Salma M. Angela Sasse Joseph Bonneau University College London, UK University College London, UK Stanford University & EFF, USA Anastasia Danilova Alena Naiakshina Matthew Smith University of Bonn, Germany University of Bonn, Germany University of Bonn, Germany Abstract—The computer security community has advocated Recent mobile phone-based secure communication tools widespread adoption of secure communication tools to counter have often been designed to hide security from the user com- mass surveillance. Several popular personal communication tools pletely (albeit at some security cost [1]). WhatsApp famously (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage) have adopted end-to-end encryption, and many new tools (e.g., Signal, Telegram) have been launched deployed E2E encryption to approximately a billion users with security as a key selling point. However it remains unclear through a code update to its application for messages, voice if users understand what protection these tools offer, and if they calls and video communications [18], with only negligible value that protection. In this study, we interviewed 60 partici- changes to the user experience. Some other communication pants about their experience with different communication tools tools (e.g., Signal, Threema) have launched with security and their perceptions of the tools’ security properties. We found that the adoption of secure communication tools is hindered by as an explicit selling point, but they also hide nearly all fragmented user bases and incompatible tools. Furthermore, the cryptographic details. vast majority of participants did not understand the essential There are key differences in the security model of dif- concept of end-to-end encryption, limiting their motivation to ferent E2E-encrypted tools, in addition to a large gap in adopt secure tools.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis and Implementation of the Messaging Layer Security Protocol
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by AMS Tesi di Laurea Alma Mater Studiorum · Universita` di Bologna CAMPUS DI CESENA Dipartimento di Informatica - Scienza e Ingegneria Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Ingegneria e Scienze Informatiche Analysis and Implementation of the Messaging Layer Security Protocol Tesi in Sicurezza delle Reti Relatore: Presentata da: Gabriele D'Angelo Nicola Giancecchi Anno Accademico 2018/2019 Parole chiave Network Security Messaging MLS Protocol Ratchet Trees \Oh me, oh vita! Domande come queste mi perseguitano. Infiniti cortei d'infedeli, citt`agremite di stolti, che v'`edi nuovo in tutto questo, oh me, oh vita! Risposta: Che tu sei qui, che la vita esiste e l’identit`a. Che il potente spettacolo continua, e che tu puoi contribuire con un verso." - Walt Whitman Alla mia famiglia. Introduzione L'utilizzo di servizi di messaggistica su smartphone `eincrementato in maniera considerevole negli ultimi anni, complice la sempre maggiore disponi- bilit`adi dispositivi mobile e l'evoluzione delle tecnologie di comunicazione via Internet, fattori che hanno di fatto soppiantato l'uso dei classici SMS. Tale incremento ha riguardato anche l'utilizzo in ambito business, un contesto dove `epi`ufrequente lo scambio di informazioni confidenziali e quindi la necessit`adi proteggere la comunicazione tra due o pi`upersone. Ci`onon solo per un punto di vista di sicurezza, ma anche di privacy personale. I maggiori player mondiali hanno risposto implementando misure di sicurezza all'interno dei propri servizi, quali ad esempio la crittografia end-to-end e regole sempre pi`ustringenti sul trattamento dei dati personali.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Public Key Technology and Federal PKI Infrastructure
    Withdrawn NIST Technical Series Publication Warning Notice The attached publication has been withdrawn (archived), and is provided solely for historical purposes. It may have been superseded by another publication (indicated below). Withdrawn Publication Series/Number NIST Special Publication 800-32 Title Introduction to Public Key Technology and the Federal PKI Infrastructure Publication Date(s) February 26, 2001 Withdrawal Date September 13, 2021 Withdrawal Note SP 800-32 is withdrawn in its entirety. Superseding Publication(s) (if applicable) The attached publication has been superseded by the following publication(s): Series/Number Title Author(s) Publication Date(s) URL/DOI Additional Information (if applicable) Contact Computer Security Division (Information Technology Laboratory) Latest revision of the N/A attached publication Related Information https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/crypto-publication-review-project https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-32/archive/2001-02-26 Withdrawal https://csrc.nist.gov/news/2021/withdrawal-of-nist-special-pubs-800-15-25- Announcement Link and-32 Date updated: September 13, 2021 SP 800-32 IIInnntttrrroooddduuuccctttiiiooonnn tttooo PPPuuubbbllliiiccc KKKeeeyyy TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy aaannnddd ttthhheee FFFeeedddeeerrraaalll PPPKKKIII IIInnnfffrrraaassstttrrruuuccctttuuurrreee D. Richard Kuhn Vincent C. Hu 26 February 2001 W. Timothy Polk Shu-Jen Chang 1 National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2001. U.S. Government publication. Not subject to copyright. Portions of this document have been abstracted from other U.S. Government publications, including: “Minimum Interoperability Specification for PKI Components (MISPC), Version 1” NIST SP 800-15, January 1998; “Certification Authority Systems”, OCC 99-20, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, May 4, 1999; “Guideline for Implementing Cryptography in the Federal Government”, NIST SP800-21, November 1999; Advances and Remaining Challenges to Adoption of Public Key Infrastructure Technology, U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Efail: Breaking S/MIME and Openpgp Email Encryption Using Exfiltration Channels
    Efail: Breaking S/MIME and OpenPGP Email Encryption using Exfiltration Channels Damian Poddebniak and Christian Dresen, Münster University of Applied Sciences; Jens Müller, Ruhr University Bochum; Fabian Ising and Sebastian Schinzel, Münster University of Applied Sciences; Simon Friedberger, NXP Semiconductors, Belgium; Juraj Somorovsky and Jörg Schwenk, Ruhr University Bochum https://www.usenix.org/conference/usenixsecurity18/presentation/poddebniak This paper is included in the Proceedings of the 27th USENIX Security Symposium. August 15–17, 2018 • Baltimore, MD, USA ISBN 978-1-939133-04-5 Open access to the Proceedings of the 27th USENIX Security Symposium is sponsored by USENIX. Efail: Breaking S/MIME and OpenPGP Email Encryption using Exfiltration Channels Damian Poddebniak1, Christian Dresen1, Jens Muller¨ 2, Fabian Ising1, Sebastian Schinzel1, Simon Friedberger3, Juraj Somorovsky2, and Jorg¨ Schwenk2 1Munster¨ University of Applied Sciences 2Ruhr University Bochum 3NXP Semiconductors, Belgium Abstract is designed to protect user data in such scenarios. With end-to-end encryption, the email infrastructure becomes OpenPGP and S/MIME are the two prime standards merely a transportation service for opaque email data and for providing end-to-end security for emails. We de- no compromise – aside from the endpoints of sender or scribe novel attacks built upon a technique we call mal- receiver – should affect the security of an end-to-end en- leability gadgets to reveal the plaintext of encrypted crypted email. emails. We use CBC/CFB gadgets to inject malicious plaintext snippets into encrypted emails. These snippets S/MIME and OpenPGP. The two most prominent stan- abuse existing and standard conforming backchannels to dards offering end-to-end encryption for email, S/MIME exfiltrate the full plaintext after decryption.
    [Show full text]
  • Secure Messaging Extension User's Guide (Monk)
    Secure Messaging Extension User’s Guide Release 5.0.5 for Schema Run-time Environment (SRE) Monk Version Copyright © 2005, 2010, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This software and related documentation are provided under a license agreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and are protected by intellectual property laws. Except as expressly permitted in your license agreement or allowed by law, you may not use, copy, reproduce, translate, broadcast, modify, license, transmit, distribute, exhibit, perform, publish, or display any part, in any form, or by any means. Reverse engineering, disassembly, or decompilation of this software, unless required by law for interoperability, is prohibited. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and is not warranted to be error-free. If you find any errors, please report them to us in writing. If this is software or related software documentation that is delivered to the U.S. Government or anyone licensing it on behalf of the U.S. Government, the following notice is applicable: U.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS Programs, software, databases, and related documentation and technical data delivered to U.S. Government customers are "commercial computer software" or "commercial technical data" pursuant to the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation and agency-specific supplemental regulations. As such, the use, duplication, disclosure, modification, and adaptation shall be subject to the restrictions and license terms set forth in the applicable Government contract, and, to the extent applicable by the terms of the Government contract, the additional rights set forth in FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License (December 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging
    SoK: Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging Antonio Dimeo, Felix Gohla, Daniel Goßen, Niko Lockenvitz {antonio.dimeo, felix.gohla, daniel.gossen, niko.lockenvitz}@student.hpi.de Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam April 17, 2021 Abstract The secure multi-device instant messaging ecosystem is diverse, varied, and under- represented in academia. We create a systematization of knowledge which focuses on the challenges of multi-device messaging in a secure context and give an overview of the current situation in the multi-device setting. For that, we analyze messenger documentation, white papers, and research that deals with multi-device messaging. This includes a detailed description of different patterns for data transfer between devices as well as device management, i.e. how clients are cryptographically linked or unlinked to or from an account and how the initial setup can be implemented. We then evaluate different instant messengers with regard to relevant criteria, e.g. whether they achieve specific security, usability, and privacy goals. In the end, we outline interesting areas for future research. Contents 1 Introduction3 1.1 Group Messaging vs. Multi-Device Messaging............... 4 1.2 Methodology.................................. 4 2 Multi-Device Messaging7 2.1 Context...................................... 7 2.2 Transferring Data Between Different Devices of One User........ 7 2.2.1 Storing Data on a Server........................ 8 2.2.2 Using Messages to Exchange Data.................. 9 2.3 Transferring Data to a Different User..................... 11 2.3.1 Without End-to-end Encryption................... 11 2.3.2 End-to-end Encryption With Shared Group Key.......... 13 2.3.3 End-to-end Encryption Per Recipient...............
    [Show full text]
  • Google Message Encryption
    Google Message Encryption Automatic Encryption for Sensitive Email Communications ABOUT GOOGLE APPS Business requirements, industry regulations, and government mandates increasingly Google Apps is a suite of applications dictate that your organization must secure electronic communications. Whether it is that includes Gmail, Google Calendar financial data, medical records, or proprietary corporate information, you simply (shared calendaring), Google Talk must secure the delivery of sensitive content to its destination. Encrypting email (instant messaging and voice over IP), communications is a cost effective solution that helps your organization prevent Google Docs & Spreadsheets (online document hosting and collaboration), financial penalties and potential brand equity damage when sending unprotected Google Page Creator (web page proprietary or regulated data via email. creation and publishing), Start Page (a single, customizable access point for all applications) and Google Security & Compliance. Google Apps What Google Message Encryption Service Does offers editions tailored to specific customer needs, including the Google Message Encryption service, powered by Postini, provides on-demand Standard Edition (ideal for family message encryption for your organization to securely communicate with business domains), Education Edition (K-12 partners and customers according to security policy or on an “as needed” basis. schools, colleges and universities) and Premier Edition (businesses of Without the complexity and costs associated with legacy
    [Show full text]
  • Expert and Non-Expert Attitudes Towards (Secure) Instant Messaging
    Expert and Non-Expert Attitudes towards (Secure) Instant Messaging Alexander De Luca, Google; Sauvik Das, Carnegie Mellon University; Martin Ortlieb, Iulia Ion, and Ben Laurie, Google https://www.usenix.org/conference/soups2016/technical-sessions/presentation/deluca This paper is included in the Proceedings of the Twelfth Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security (SOUPS 2016). June 22–24, 2016 • Denver, CO, USA ISBN 978-1-931971-31-7 Open access to the Proceedings of the Twelfth Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security (SOUPS 2016) is sponsored by USENIX. Expert and Non-Expert Attitudes towards (Secure) Instant Messaging Alexander De Luca1, Sauvik Das2, Martin Ortlieb1, Iulia Ion1, Ben Laurie1 1Google; 2Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States {adeluca,mortlieb,iuliaion,benl}@google.com,[email protected] ABSTRACT curity/privacy over traditional mobile IMs have entered the In this paper, we present results from an online survey with app market. However, there are, as yet, few insights about 1,510 participants and an interview study with 31 partici- how and why users do or do not use these messengers. pants on (secure) mobile instant messaging. Our goal was To bridge this gap in the literature, we performed two stud- to uncover how much of a role security and privacy played ies – an online survey with 1,510 participants and a set of in- in people’s decisions to use a mobile instant messenger. In person interviews with 31 participants. For the interviews, the interview study, we recruited a balanced sample of IT- we recruited a balanced sample of people from the general security experts and non-experts, as well as an equal split public and IT security experts.
    [Show full text]
  • Fortimail Identity Based Encryption
    WHITE PAPER FortiMail Identity Based Encryption A Business and Compliance Enabler FORTINET – FortiMail Identity Based Encryption - A Business Enabler PAGE 2 Contents Business Need Secure Mail Delivery ............................................................................................................................. 3 Challenges with Available Technologies ........................................................................................................................ 3 Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL) .......................................................................................................................... 3 S/MIME ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 PGP ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3 FortiMail Solutions .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 FortiMail Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 FortiMail Identity-Based Encryption ............................................................................................................................ 5 Identity-Based Encryption ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Secure Message Exchange on the Internet
    New York University Computer Science Department Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences Secure Message Exchange on the Internet Course Title: Application Servers Course Number: g22.3033-003 Instructor: Jean-Claude Franchitti Session: 9 XML and Security Standards Various widely accepted security standards are available today to secure communication on the Internet. The most relevant standards, which include IPSec, Secure Socket Layer, S/MIME, and Pretty Good Privacy. IPS Security (IPSec) provides IP-level security and is widely used for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Secure Socket Layer (SSL) provides transport-level security and has become a de facto standard for secure HTTP connections. SSL uses X.509 certificates for authentication. SSL is a secure protocol in the session layer, and is being standardized by the IETF as the Transport Layer Security (TLS). Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Exchange (S/MIME) is the secure mail standard, and it also used X.509 certificates for authentication. Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is the de facto standard for e-mail security. It can be used to send encrypted digital signatures and to encrypt stored files. SSL Secure Messaging Native SSL supports three of the four aspects of secure messaging including confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. SSL supports confidentiality via the use of a symmetric cryptosystem such as the Data Encryption Standard, and Ron’s Code (i.e., RC- 4). While DES uses a 56-bit key, RC-4 uses a 40-128 bits variable key length. SSL supports integrity via Message Authentication Code (MAC). MAC is based on a secure hash function such as Message Digest 5 (i.e., MD5) and Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (i.e., SHA 1).
    [Show full text]
  • Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Secure Messaging Solution
    TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SELECTING A SECURE MESSAGING SOLUTION SIMPLIFYING & SECURING ENTERPRISE MESSAGING Table of Contents Introduction . 3 Does the solution ensure HIPAA compliance? . 4 Does the solution integrate with existing applications? . 7 Is it an extensible secure texting platform? . 9 Is the secure texting application intuitive? . 11 Does the solution support admin control? . .14 Does the solution secure confidential information? . .16 Does the solution replace outdated or unreliable communication tools? . .19 Does the solution foster workflow collaboration or a collaborative environment? . .21 Does the vendor leave you in good hands? . 26 Does the solution have proven success? . 28 Conclusion . .31 Introduction Evaluating secure text messaging compiled the Top 10 Questions functional requirements, but solutions can be a time-consuming to Ask Before Selecting a Secure also fits their use case. Learn all and confusing process for health- Text Messaging Solution, allowing key aspects of a solution includ- care organizations, especially with you to simplify the selection ing technical requirements, key restrictive compliance regulations process and more easily identify functionality concerns, and how in place. Once you have realized what you need from your secure to determine a vendor’s proven the need for a secure texting texting vendor. success record with case studies solution, the research, evaluation and testimonials. and selection process could be Healthcare organizations can long and unorganized without the easily discover the top concerns necessary tools or understanding when evaluating secure texting of what your ideal solution would solutions and ensure the solution be. That is why TigerText has they select not only meets all 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Secure Messaging1
    SoK: Secure Messaging1 Nik Unger∗, Sergej Dechandy Joseph Bonneauzx, Sascha Fahl{, Henning Perl{ Ian Goldberg∗, Matthew Smithy ∗ University of Waterloo, y University of Bonn, z Stanford University, x Electronic Frontier Foundation, { Fraunhofer FKIE Abstract—Motivated by recent revelations of widespread state insecure ways. However, as will become clear over the course surveillance of personal communication, many solutions now of this paper, the academic research community is also failing claim to offer secure and private messaging. This includes both a to learn some lessons from tools in the wild. large number of new projects and many widely adopted tools that have added security features. The intense pressure in the past two Furthermore, there is a lack of coherent vision for the future years to deliver solutions quickly has resulted in varying threat of secure messaging. Most solutions focus on specific issues models, incomplete objectives, dubious security claims, and a lack and have different goals and threat models. This is com- of broad perspective on the existing cryptographic literature on pounded by differing security vocabularies and the absence of secure communication. a unified evaluation of prior work. Outside of academia, many In this paper, we evaluate and systematize current secure messaging solutions and propose an evaluation framework for products mislead users by advertising with grandiose claims their security, usability, and ease-of-adoption properties. We con- of “military grade encryption” or by promising impossible sider solutions from academia, but also identify innovative and features such as self-destructing messages [7]–[10]. The recent promising approaches used “in-the-wild” that are not considered EFF Secure Messaging Scorecard evaluated tools for basic by the academic literature.
    [Show full text]